Crosslinkable aromatic polyimides containing 2,3-dicyanopyrazine rings

New crosslinkable aromatic polyimides were synthesized from 2,3-dicyano-5,6-di(aminophenyl)pyrazine (1b) and 2,3-dicyanopyrazino [5,6-9,10] diaminophenanthrene (2b). They were characterized by viscosimetry, IR, NMR, x-ray, DTA, TMA, TGA, and isothermal gravimetric analysis. The polyimides derived from Ib were amorphous whereas those prepared from 2b showed microcrystalline or crystalline character. The polymers were soluble in polar aprotic solvents (DMF, NMP, DMSO) at ambient temperature or upon heating. They dissolved also completely or partially in certain hot inorganic and organic acids (H2SO4, CCl3COOH). Their glass transition temperatures were in the range of 257-370 degrees C. The crosslinked polymers obtained after an appropriate thermal treatment, were stable up to 397-426 degrees C in N-2 or air and afforded anaerobic char yields of 62-75% at 800 degrees C. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.